Luther Said...

A Christian reacts to Gossip

Those...are called slanderers who do not stop with knowing of a sin but proceed to execute judgment. When they know a slight offense of another, they peddle it in every corner and are delighted and tickled to be able to stir around in another's dirt as swine roll themselves in the mud and root in it with their snouts...

In short, whatever is secret should be allowed to reamain secret or should at least be reproved secretly ... Hence if you are confronted by an evil tongue which defames and slanders another, talk plainly to his face and make him blush. Many a person will hold his tongue who otherwise would bring some poor man into bad repute from which he would find it difficult to clear himself. For honor and a good name are easily taken away but not easily restored.